Blog - Point Park University

Faculty Spotlight: Kristen Misutka, Ph.D., Associate Professor, and Director of Master’s Programs in Teaching

October 22, 2026

An Assistant Professor and Director of Master’s Programs in Teaching at Point Park University, Kristen Misutka brings a rich background in special education and literacy to future teachers and current teachers pursuing advanced degrees. Below, the 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award winner shares her background, educational philosophy, and what sets Point

Chloe Troutman ’23 poses in Ireland during her fellowship.

Alumni Chloe Troutman ’23 Taught STEAM Education in Ireland on Matt’s Maker Space Fellowship

June 24, 2026

Meet Chloe Troutman Major/Program Education Pre-K – 4th Grade Minor Dual Certification in Special Education Pre-K – 12th Grade Graduation 2023 Hometown Northumberland, Pa. High School Shikellamy High School Hobbies & Interests I love making art, reading, camping, hiking and spending time with my animals, friends and family, and I

Christal Edmunds, Ph.D., Professor of Education, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA

Faculty Spotlight: Christal Edmunds, Ph.D., Professor of Education

June 24, 2026

“The most important reason to choose Point Park University is that we are a deeply engaged faculty. Our class sizes are small, and we’re able to get to know you well as a student. We also provide tremendous experiences for students. We teach the way that we would hope students

All About Point Park University’s M.A. and M.Ed. in Special Education Programs

May 10, 2024

What do the M.A. and M.Ed. in Special Education programs encompass? The Point Park University M.A. and M. Ed. in Special Education are graduate degree programs designed for students to earn a master’s degree and Pennsylvania Special Education Pre-K through 12 Certification. The M.A. degree is for teacher candidates currently holding a

Point Park University Celebrates Graduate Degree Recipients at Fall Hooding Ceremony

February 9, 2024

Point Park University conferred 41 doctoral degrees, 118 master’s degrees and 60 Education certificates Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Fall Hooding Ceremony, held in the University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse. Stanley Denton, Ph.D., professor of education, served as Grand Marshal. Jason Lange, M.A., M.Ed., founder and president of BloomBoard, an education talent

Vector image of two joyful graduates celebrating their graduation in caps and gowns.

Tips and Tricks for Success in Graduate Programs

July 6, 2023

Success in Graduate Programs: Tips and Tricks The key turns. Slowly, the ignition cranks. It putters a bit. The key turns again. Puttering… again. A few seconds later, and for a third time, the key turns, and the engine roars. Success in graduate programs is the car that needs a

Jade Steele-Stripsky, Fourth Grade Teacher, Instructional Studies Program, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA

Alumni Spotlight: Jade Steele-Stripsky, Fourth-Grade Teacher

May 2, 2023

Job Title & Employer: Fourth-Grade Teacher, Springfield Public Schools Major: Instructional Studies College Activities: Student Government Association senator for the School of Education Hometown: Brookville, Pa. High School: Jefferson County-DuBois Area Vocational-Technical School Now Living In: Springfield, Mass. Hobbies & Interests: Reading, painting, going to Disney World and listening to

A close up of a computer key that says “master’s degree” instead of “enter.”

Advantages of a Master’s Degree for Educators

March 20, 2023

Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner? Are you thinking about increasing your job marketability? Are you interested in advancing your current degree or even adding additional certifications? Would you like to increase your salary? When you begin to investigate options to reach your goal, you will find numerous programs

Melissa Botta-Havran, Master’s of Education alumna, Point Park University, Pittsburgh, PA

Master’s of Education Alumna Melissa Botta-Havran ’22 is a Lead Teacher at Catalyst Academy of Pittsburgh

February 13, 2023

“The faculty and staff in Point Park’s School of Education have their finger on the pulse of what is most challenging in education today. They are knowledgeable and incredibly accessible, which, as a working mom, was important to me as I navigated this program.” Melissa Botta-Havran ’22 Meet Melissa Botta-Havran ’22

Point Park University students pose for a photo with Pittsburgh Faison students after facilitating a mini-lesson based on the book "Hair Love," by Matthew A. Cherry.

Point Park University School of Education Students Gain Impactful Field Experience Through Family and Community Diversity Course

February 13, 2023

“I think having experiences like this so early in my career is so rewarding because it allows me to become more comfortable in the setting I plan to work in for the rest of my life. It also allows me to create meaningful and impactful experiences for young minds, which